Thoughts about following Jesus

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Jesus confronted people directly about the choice to become a follower. He came with the gracious announcement that it is now possible to live in the presence and under the reign of God–that was his Good News. It is possible to live in such a way that when people see us, they will say to themselves, “Wow! I didn't know that life could look like that.” It indeed happens. It has happened for many who have followed Christ, and it really is possible for us. This is the “pearl of great value” of which Jesus spoke, for which any sensible person would sell everything. This is the race for which we were born. But we will not drift into such a life. We must decide.